Joe Schmidt Names Ireland Team For Pivotal Wales Clash In Cardiff

Joe Schmidt has named his Ireland team which will take on Wales in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.

Ireland are still within a chance of retaining their Six Nations crown but they will need to overcome a motivated Wales side who will be aiming for a first Grand Slam since 2012 and a first championship title since 2013.

Ireland will also need Scotland to overcome England at Twickenham.

Schmidt has made three changes to the starting XV which defeated France at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Tadhg Beirne comes into the starting XV for his Six Nations debut in the place of Iain Henderson, Sean O’Brien comes in for the injured Josh van der Flier at openside while Rob Kearney returns from injury to take the place of Jordan Larmour at fullback.